Angry Youths Block Kano-Zaria Road After Bank Convoy Hits Tricycle, Flees Scene
Traffic Gridlock as Protesters Demand Justice for Injured Victims
KANO – Chaos erupted on the busy Na’ibawa axis of Zaria Road in Kano on Tuesday morning when enraged youths blocked the major highway for nearly an hour. The protest followed an incident where a speeding bank convoy allegedly hit a tricycle and fled the scene without assisting the injured victims.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 9:00 AM near the Na’ibawa flyover. A convoy suspected to be transporting money for a commercial bank struck a tricycle with such force that the vehicle somersaulted. Witnesses reported that security personnel accompanying the convoy fired teargas to disperse crowds attempting to help the injured before speeding away.
“We saw the armed escort cars speeding with doors open, waving sticks and shouting at people to clear the road,” said Muhammad Sa’idu, an eyewitness who spoke to reporters. “After hitting the tricycle, one of the escorts even struck the vehicle with his stick. When people approached to help, they fired teargas and abandoned the bleeding victims.”
Youths Erupt in Protest
The convoy’s apparent disregard for the victims sparked immediate outrage among local youths, particularly tricycle operators who make their living along the busy corridor. Protesters blocked the crucial transportation artery – the main route connecting Kano to Kaduna and Abuja – burning tires and demanding justice for the injured passengers.
The demonstration caused significant traffic disruption until the intervention of the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO). “The DPO arrived at the scene, assisted in transporting the victims to the hospital, and assured the crowd they would receive proper care,” explained another witness, Auwal Ahmad. “This promise helped calm the situation.”
Pattern of Reckless Behavior Alleged
Local residents revealed this wasn’t an isolated incident. According to Ahmad, the same convoy makes daily trips from Kano to Abuja, often displaying aggressive driving behavior. “They leave every morning and return in the evening, always speeding and intimidating other road users,” he claimed.
By the time journalists arrived at the scene, normal traffic flow had resumed. However, the incident has reignited discussions about the conduct of security escorts accompanying VIP convoys and commercial vehicles in Nigeria’s bustling cities.
Authorities Urged to Investigate
Community leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and demanding accountability from the financial institution involved. The case highlights growing public frustration with what many perceive as a culture of impunity among convoy operators across the country.
Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or confirm whether any arrests have been made in connection with the hit-and-run.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report at Daily Trust.